Lance ArmstrongNo Apologies or Admissionsat Livestrong Event

10/20/2012 6:38 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Lance Armstrong took the mic at a Livestrong event last night -- the charity he stepped down from this week -- but did not directly address his doping scandal, only saying it's "been a difficult couple of weeks for me and my family."

The gala dinner -- which was held in Austin, TX -- was expected to raise $2.5 million.

Armstrong is still a member of the board, but stepped down as its chairman on Wednesday as the doping scandal that has followed him for years continues to tear down his legacy.

He lost his endorsement deals this week with Nike, Giro Helmets, Trek Bicycles, FRS energy drink and Anheuser-Busch.